He might have been King of the Dinosaurs, but T.Rex likely ran on his tip–toes, according to a new study.
Since the release of Jurassic Park, the prehistoric beast has been associated with the terrifying Earth–shaking rumble created by its giant feet as it roamed around.
Now, new analysis suggests that instead of stomping heel–first, the dinosaur may have taken shorter, toe–first steps.
And it contradicts everything experts previously thought about how the extinct species moved.
A team of scientists gathered data on T.Rex anatomy, tracks and modern bird locomotion as part of their study.
They then combined this information to create a model showing how their feet may have struck the ground.
‘Detailed reconstructions of track formation show a “toe–first” pattern reinforcing this behaviour being widespread among…T.Rex,’ the study reads.
‘This kind of locomotion would represent a significant shift in our understanding of how T.Rex moved.’
Scientists gathered data on T.Rex anatomy, tracks and modern bird locomotion as part of their study
Since the release of Jurassic Park, the prehistoric beast has been associated with the terrifying Earth–shaking rumble created by its giant feet as it roamed around
The study, led by researchers at the College of the Atlantic in Maine, USA, also found that the dinosaur may have moved 20 per cent faster than previously believed with this bird–like gait.
Their model indicates a top speed for T.Rex would have fallen within the range of five to 11 metres per second – the equivalent of 24.6 miles per hour (39.6kmph).
Usain Bolt, by comparison, has previously reached a top speed of 27.78mph (44.72kmph) – the fastest speed ever recorded by a human.
It’s also likely the giant reptile took proportionally short stride lengths, with higher stride frequencies.
‘The locomotion of the dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex, the largest known terrestrial predator, has been of interest for over a century,’ the scientists said.
‘This work examines the importance and role of the foot in the locomotion of T.Rex.
‘Based on studies of trackways, the anatomy of T.Rex, and the behaviour of modern birds, our results indicate that the distal [front] portions of the toes of T.Rex would make first contact with the ground.’
Writing in the journal Royal Society Open Science, they added: ‘Our study represents, to our knowledge, the first quantitative analysis of the effects of foot–strike patterns in the gait of Tyrannosaurus.’
The team combined the data, from measurements and footprints, to create a model showing how T.Rex feet may have struck the ground
The research team said the dinosaur may have moved 20 per cent faster than previously believed with this bird–like gait
A separate study, published in 2024, suggests that T.Rex may have been 70 per cent heavier than previously thought – weighing up to 15 tonnes.
Dr Jordan Mallon, one of the study authors, said: ‘Our study suggests that, for big fossil animals like T.Rex, we really have no idea from the fossil record about the absolute sizes they might have reached.
‘It’s fun to think about a 15 tonne T.Rex, but the implications are also interesting from a biomechanical or ecological perspective.’
Meanwhile, other research indicates that the T.Rex may also have boasted iron–coated teeth to help them rip apart their prey.
Researchers have discovered that the serrated edges of Komodo dragons’ teeth are tipped with iron, which may provide clues as to how dinosaurs killed and ate their meals.
KILLING OFF THE DINOSAURS: HOW A CITY-SIZED ASTEROID WIPED OUT 75 PER CENT OF ALL ANIMAL AND PLANT SPECIES
Around 66 million years ago non-avian dinosaurs were wiped out and more than half the world’s species were obliterated.
This mass extinction paved the way for the rise of mammals and the appearance of humans.
The Chicxulub asteroid is often cited as a potential cause of the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event.
The asteroid slammed into a shallow sea in what is now the Gulf of Mexico.
The collision released a huge dust and soot cloud that triggered global climate change, wiping out 75 per cent of all animal and plant species.
Researchers claim that the soot necessary for such a global catastrophe could only have come from a direct impact on rocks in shallow water around Mexico, which are especially rich in hydrocarbons.
Within 10 hours of the impact, a massive tsunami waved ripped through the Gulf coast, experts believe.
Around 66 million years ago non-avian dinosaurs were wiped out and more than half the world’s species were obliterated. The Chicxulub asteroid is often cited as a potential cause of the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event (stock image)
This caused earthquakes and landslides in areas as far as Argentina.
While investigating the event researchers found small particles of rock and other debris that was shot into the air when the asteroid crashed.
Called spherules, these small particles covered the planet with a thick layer of soot.
Experts explain that losing the light from the sun caused a complete collapse in the aquatic system.
This is because the phytoplankton base of almost all aquatic food chains would have been eliminated.
It’s believed that the more than 180 million years of evolution that brought the world to the Cretaceous point was destroyed in less than the lifetime of a Tyrannosaurus rex, which is about 20 to 30 years.
